The ONI "Kiwami" represents the evolution of the beloved Oni "Kase" denim. This updated version places a strong emphasis on achieving exceptional vertical fading. Crafted with a 16oz ultra-low tension weave and dyed with natural indigo, the Kiwami fabric boasts a distinctive texture and color that sets it apart.
For many years, Masao Oishi has dedicated his efforts to creating denim that can authentically capture the unique color and texture of hank dyeing in rope dyeing. Drawing from his extensive experience and specialized techniques, the Kiwami fabric was born. In hank dyeing, a bundle of ring-shaped cotton threads is dipped into a pot containing natural indigo dye, soaked, removed, squeezed, and exposed to the air for oxidation. The depth of indigo blue in the threads is determined by how many times this oxidation process is repeated.
The inspiration behind ONI Kiwami fabric derives from the traditional "Awa-Shoai (阿波正藍)" dyeing method. Creating Kiwami required the meticulous arrangement of light and dark rope-dyed natural indigo threads, a task that demanded exceptional attention to detail and expertise. As a result, Kiwami resembles denim reminiscent of "Awa-Shoai" woven with indigo blue threads hank-dyed by skilled craftsmen. This unique rope-dyed natural indigo denim is unparalleled, primarily because the threads' cores remain white, allowing for captivating color fades, gradation, and denim aging, a feature not achievable through hank dyeing.
The outcome is a distinctive natural indigo fabric with abundant slub and a captivating range of indigo shades, a hallmark of ONI's craftsmanship. This denim is a testament to the artistry of the brand, showcasing both remarkable texture and color. Throughout the fabric, you'll notice the interplay of thinner and thicker threads, transitioning from deep indigo to vibrant electric blue.
The jeans feature all the hallmark ONI details, including copper buttons, high-quality pocket bags, and a custom vegetable-tanned horsehide leather patch. The cut adheres to ONI's 288 classic regular straight fit, featuring a mid-high rise.
In the words of Masao Oishi himself, "I think Kiwami, launched last year, is one of the top three denims in over 50 years of my career." It's a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation embodied by ONI's Kiwami denim.
These jeans have a standard sizing. We recommend choosing your usual size. However, as always, we recommend checking the size chart first to find your perfect size. It is unsanforized but one washed, so there will be no shrinkage. The waist will experience the typical stretching seen in ONI denim due to the low tension weave, although not as much as the secret denim. Expect approximately 1 inches of stretching.
The legend of ONI is alive to this day. In recent years Oishi-San has devoted himself to experimenting with widely varying grammages, rough textures, different indigo dyeing techniques and novelty cuts while always maintaining a very limited production and wielding his experience in denim which now goes back more than 60 years.
